askingalexandriawolf
Lifetime Total
1+
IMDb Member
8 years
Reviews
Minions (2015)
Hilarious but with Clichés
Minions is the prequel to Despicable Me when the minions are seeking the greatest villain to serve. Unsuccessful in their search, they retreat to a cave in the arctic, but Kevin (one of the minions who makes the most appearances in the Despicable Me films) refuses to give up and so ventures on a quest to find the minions a master. Joined by Stewart and Bob, they travel to Orlando where they discover the most celebrated villainess to date: Scarlet Overkill. After a competition, she hires them to work for her and her first assignment for them is to bring her Queen Elizabeth's crown. However, the minions do something entirely different...
Having watched the trailer, I already acknowledged the plot. If I dissect it, the first half an hour is golden and thoroughly enjoyable. The humour came thick and fast and I felt eager to see what the remainder of the film would bring...needless to say, I was slightly disappointed. The villainess determined to prove that females can be as malicious as males, not to mention the fact that she desires the queen's crown in order to become the queen herself, is all too familiar. What could have been an invigorating plot that distinguishes itself from that of other action and adventure stories for children starts as superb but becomes cliché-ridden and predictable from the middle onwards. Despite this, the ending was perfectly satisfying and Gru being introduced to the minions was a great addition.
The minions are all likable with Kevin, Stewart and Bob delivering the most laughs and being the three minions which are different from the rest. However, the human characters were much less impressive. Scarlet Overkill is the stereotypical villainess who intends to prove that women can do evil as well as men and dreams of being queen, when she could have been a single woman who craves company and some thrills in her life. She is the main issue I have with the film, whilst the other humans who made an appearance were just plain.
I must commend the animation used, for it is impeccable. The same foulproof animation which is used in the Despeicable Me films is used here and it is pleasing to the eye. Clearly, just as much dedication has been put into this film than what was put into the Despicable Me films.
Overall, Minions is a brilliant family film which both children and adults will admire, but it could have been so much better had it not been for the aggravating clichés which crop up in the middle.
Having watched the trailer, I already acknowledged the plot. If I dissect it, the first half an hour is golden and thoroughly enjoyable. The humour came thick and fast and I felt eager to see what the remainder of the film would bring...needless to say, I was slightly disappointed. The villainess determined to prove that females can be as malicious as males, not to mention the fact that she desires the queen's crown in order to become the queen herself, is all too familiar. What could have been an invigorating plot that distinguishes itself from that of other action and adventure stories for children starts as superb but becomes cliché-ridden and predictable from the middle onwards. Despite this, the ending was perfectly satisfying and Gru being introduced to the minions was a great addition.
The minions are all likable with Kevin, Stewart and Bob delivering the most laughs and being the three minions which are different from the rest. However, the human characters were much less impressive. Scarlet Overkill is the stereotypical villainess who intends to prove that women can do evil as well as men and dreams of being queen, when she could have been a single woman who craves company and some thrills in her life. She is the main issue I have with the film, whilst the other humans who made an appearance were just plain.
I must commend the animation used, for it is impeccable. The same foulproof animation which is used in the Despeicable Me films is used here and it is pleasing to the eye. Clearly, just as much dedication has been put into this film than what was put into the Despicable Me films.
Overall, Minions is a brilliant family film which both children and adults will admire, but it could have been so much better had it not been for the aggravating clichés which crop up in the middle.
Gravitation (1999)
Outstanding
Gravitation is an anime which tells the heart-warming story of Shuichi, the lead singer of a Japanese rock band called Bad Luck, who encounters and begins a romantic relationship with the romance novelist Yuki.
The characters are all likable and their voices match perfectly. Shuichi is the hyper teenage boy who dreams of becoming a rock star and has an interesting taste in fashion, Yuki is shrouded in mystery and can be rather cold to Shuichi at times, Hiro is the extremely supportive and companionable best friend of Shuichi, and K is the intimidating manager of Bad Luck. Each character has a different personality and their own dreams, so there is a great variation.
Secondly, the plot is well-paced and heart-wrenching; not once did it fail to make me emotional or put a smile on my face. It doesn't take itself too seriously and the romance isn't mushy or cringeworthy. I can honestly say this is the best love story I have ever heard. Additionally, Yuki's backstory is horrific and enough to make me understand why Yuki is how he is as well as to sympathise with him.
Thirdly, the animation is faultless. All of the scenery and the characters are vibrant and skillfully drawn. Shuichi, Yuki and Hiro are easily the most attractive characters and their outfits reflect their personalities, especially Shuichi's feminine clothes and dog costume.
Finally, the music is enjoyable to listen to and memorable, and it is the music which is key to Gravitation. Although the show has a tendency to repeat its songs, they don't become tedious.
All in all, Gravitation is a unique, hugely entertaining and fun anime. The yaoi (gay) couple are adorable and their relationship is realistic, the story is captivating and filled with hilarious moments, and the animation is incredible.
The characters are all likable and their voices match perfectly. Shuichi is the hyper teenage boy who dreams of becoming a rock star and has an interesting taste in fashion, Yuki is shrouded in mystery and can be rather cold to Shuichi at times, Hiro is the extremely supportive and companionable best friend of Shuichi, and K is the intimidating manager of Bad Luck. Each character has a different personality and their own dreams, so there is a great variation.
Secondly, the plot is well-paced and heart-wrenching; not once did it fail to make me emotional or put a smile on my face. It doesn't take itself too seriously and the romance isn't mushy or cringeworthy. I can honestly say this is the best love story I have ever heard. Additionally, Yuki's backstory is horrific and enough to make me understand why Yuki is how he is as well as to sympathise with him.
Thirdly, the animation is faultless. All of the scenery and the characters are vibrant and skillfully drawn. Shuichi, Yuki and Hiro are easily the most attractive characters and their outfits reflect their personalities, especially Shuichi's feminine clothes and dog costume.
Finally, the music is enjoyable to listen to and memorable, and it is the music which is key to Gravitation. Although the show has a tendency to repeat its songs, they don't become tedious.
All in all, Gravitation is a unique, hugely entertaining and fun anime. The yaoi (gay) couple are adorable and their relationship is realistic, the story is captivating and filled with hilarious moments, and the animation is incredible.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (2015)
Truly Spellbinding
Jonathon Strange and Mr Norrell is a slightly glum, complex but ultimately intriguing drama about two magicians attempting to return magic to England. The plot itself is unpredictable with many compelling twists which result in massive impacts on each of the characters. Although, it can be rather confusing for me at times.
Speaking of the characters, they are superbly cast and believable. Bertie Carvel is excellent as the mysterious Jonathon Strange, Eddie Marsan fits the role of the reclusive Mr Norrell perfectly, and Marc Warren is exceptional as the malicious Gentleman. The other actors including Charlotte Riley, Alice Englert and Ariyon Bakare also give commendable performances.
The visuals are stunning and clearly the creators put a lot of money and effort into making them seem as realistic and jaw-dropping as possible. From the swarm of agitated ravens to the voluminous black tornado formed by Mr Strange himself, there is nothing to fault.
Overall, Jonathon Strange and Mr Norrell is an exquisite series which I'm sure admirers of the book will adore. As for those individuals who have not read the book, (such as myself) this is a fresh, thrilling and mesmerising story which will capture the imagination of all ages.
Speaking of the characters, they are superbly cast and believable. Bertie Carvel is excellent as the mysterious Jonathon Strange, Eddie Marsan fits the role of the reclusive Mr Norrell perfectly, and Marc Warren is exceptional as the malicious Gentleman. The other actors including Charlotte Riley, Alice Englert and Ariyon Bakare also give commendable performances.
The visuals are stunning and clearly the creators put a lot of money and effort into making them seem as realistic and jaw-dropping as possible. From the swarm of agitated ravens to the voluminous black tornado formed by Mr Strange himself, there is nothing to fault.
Overall, Jonathon Strange and Mr Norrell is an exquisite series which I'm sure admirers of the book will adore. As for those individuals who have not read the book, (such as myself) this is a fresh, thrilling and mesmerising story which will capture the imagination of all ages.